Love Of Cats Could Cost Man A Home

FORT LAUDERDALE — A sign painter faces eviction from his home today because he opted to feed his 40 cats rather than pay five months back rent.

John Topham, 62, spends more than $200 a week on specially prepared entrees for his collection of strays but, he said, he`d do no less for his animals than he would for a human being.

``I was going to steam them a little fish tonight. Maybe give them a little brown rice,`` Topham began. ``All I`m trying to do is care for my cats. I love what I`m doing. It`s not just an attachment; it`s a responsibility.``

At the same time, Topham admitted to neglecting his responsibility as a tenant. The rent on his one-room house in the 1400 block of Southwest 33rd Court is five months overdue, a tab his landlady said amounts to $780.

Virgina Daggett said Topham has been renting the house from her since 1975 and was prompt with his payments until this year. Being strapped for money herself with taxes due this month, Daggett said she began eviction proceedings in October as a last resort.

``I`m sorry. I feel terrible,`` Daggett said. ``But, I`m afraid that over the years he`s become obsessed with his cats. He spends every cent in his life on those cats.``

A sign painter of 40 years, Topham said jobs have been scarce lately. He was so preoccupied with finding steady work, he said, that he ignored the three eviction notices he received. The final notice stated deputies from the Broward Sheriff`s Office would remove him and his belongings Tuesday. They didn`t show up.

Daggett said they`re coming today.

``The Sheriff`s Office called and said we`re supposed to be there at 9:30 in the morning and bring four people to help move his things,`` she said. ``The Humane Society will be there to take his cats.

``If he goes back into the house after that, he will go to jail. That`s the way the law works for non-payment of rent.``

Topham said he`s made no living arrangements for himself or his cats. Although he has three grown children, he said he has no place to go.

``I`ll sleep in my car with them if I have to,`` he maintained. ``I`m not going anywhere without them.``